Meet the Team

As Interim Executive Director, Amanda is eager to foster even more opportunities to help support the development of healthy, vibrant young people. In her role, Amanda works in partnership with governing bodies, rugby clubs and the education, private, and public sectors to build stronger communities. Amanda brings 18 years of integrated marketing communications experience in addition to nearly a decade of experience focused on building capacity for youth-serving organizations. Prior to joining TIRF, Amanda worked in broadcasting, sponsorship, event planning, and non-profit consulting. She currently serves on the board of directors at Netball Ontario and continues to support grassroots projects through her work with The ReDesign Group.

Amanda is selfless with her time, but is not very good sharing her chocolates.

In her role as Programs and Development Manager, Andrea provides oversight to TIRF programs and administration. Tasked with efficiently and effectively building TIRF’s capacity, Andrea is also responsible for fund development, and volunteer recruitment. Her background in health promotion, lends itself well to supporting the organization’s health and long-term sustainability. Andrea embraces a systems thinking approach to creating social change demonstrated by her impressive track record of executing both national and international awareness and education programs.

Andrea enjoys cycling, swimming in public pools, and pine nuts. When asked for her candid opinion of pine trees her response was “no comment”.

As the Rugby Development Coordinator, Paul is responsible for rugby training, player development and implementing rugby curriculum. Notorious on-and-off the pitch, Paul truly is everyone’s coach. When he’s not out in the community facilitating trainings with coaches or community partners, you can find Paul on the pitch. Paul discovered his love of the sport later in life. He coaches TIRF’s Under-16s; Ontario Central Hubs Under-18s, is a member of Rugby Ontario’s Under-18 Men’s Sevens coaching staff and has been coaching the Malvern Collegiate rugby team for nearly 20-years.

Paul’s alter-ego, DJ Clyde, is TIRF’s very own desktop DJ. DJ Clyde, not to be confused with DJ Khaled, takes Motown requests on Fridays after 2PM.

As the Youth Development Coordinator, Valentine, provides a broad range of support for TIRF’s Beyond Rugby program stream. Valentine supports, life skills, leadership and youth development of TIRF players through the coordination and administration of the scholarship and career connect programs. In this role, Valentine balances the needs of applicants and selection committee members, so that they can each make informed decisions. Valentine selflessly gives to help others. This is demonstrated in her personal and professional work dedicated to meeting the basic needs and fundamental rights of young people.

Valentine is the embodiment of patience, acceptance and tolerance of all things – except gluten. Valentine has zero tolerance for gluten.